Last weekend of the summer

Next week the school year officially begins for us. Julia is starting second grade at Holy Family on Wednesday and, a week from this Monday, Elisabeth will be starting at her new school Marshall Middle School (more about that later).

So, we decided to take a day trip and do something fun yesterday-- go to Lake Michigan!!

Before we got to the lake we made a stop in Libertyville, IL at Marytown where the National Shrine of St. Maximillian Kolbe is located. St. Maximillian's feast day was on Friday and he is Elisabeth's favorite saint. Since it was on our way, we decided to swing by and check out the museum, the chapel and the gardens.

What we didn't take into account is that Marytown would be very busy because, you know, his feast day was the day before, so there was no one available to give us a tour because it was also the feast day of the Assumption of Mary. Plus we got there right as Mass had started and we probably should have just gone to Mass, but we were dressed like beach bums and the kids were borderline hangry.

So we just decided to check out the gift shop (so many books!!!) and tour one garden since the humidity was so thick we choked on it everytime we stepped outside.

We've decided to go back in the fall when the weather is nicer and definitely plan on attending Mass. Then we'll also be able to tour the gardens a little more thoroughly without sweating ourselves into puddles.

We decided to try out the beaches at Illinois Beach State Park in Zion, IL. It was all free and only about 2 hours from Rockford. Turns out we (and a bunch of other people) picked a perfect day to spend at the lake. It was hot but the humidity vanished as soon as we got to the water. We had packed a picnic lunch to keep the younger two girls quiet about how hungry they are all the time (I am officially a snack time referee which is a thankless job).

We were kind of surprised at how short the beach was from the parking lot. But, it fit us and all our gear so no complaints. Plus, the girls just loved it sooooo much. 

This is how David and I spent our beach time-- under our giant umbrella in the shade napping and reading, respectively.

Of course, Vivian brought her trusty dump truck.

The girls found this guy with the metal detector fascinating and got really close to him to watch. 

And now it is back to the school year grind. My calendar is already filling up super fast. It's like a sharpie pen has bled all over the end of August. In a good way, of course.